Questions regarding audio output settings and volume...

[brigden]

I've always wanted to know if there is an accepted standard with regards to the levels of Windows' various volume controls. Typically, I have Master, Wave, Midi, and CD set to 1/2.

I've left the settings for bass, mid, and treble at their slightly-less-than-3/4 defaults.

I have a basic Sony shelf system as my stereo, and I have the volume set at 1/3. There are rudimentary bass and treble controls on the system, which are set to max and 3/4, respectively.

Every app, like Winamp, has audio volume set to max.

 

[tk11]

As long as you can't hear background hiss or other noise any settings should do. You may wish to adjust the master output level to match other sources (cd, tuner, etc) so that the volume is consistent. As for bass, mid, treble all should be at zero and the tone should be adjusted at the stereo if adjustment is needed.

 

[Auric]

Standard... not really. It just depends on the quality of the output and amp. I use digital out from a ZS so there is no noise at all and the primary mixer levels (master, wave, midi, cd digital) can be maxed while the rest remain muted. The amp and DAC in the receiver are quite good so no noise is introduced before 70/100 which is way beyond normal listening levels. I would leave the mixer bass/treble neutral, especially with the function available on the amp and with a typical PC DAC set the mixer levels as high as possible without being too noisy then make all adjustments on the amp (likewise max out or disable any application specific volume controls).